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4 Digestive Causes of Abdominal Pain

You should not live with abdominal pains. You can feel it when you have eaten or it could stick with you throughout the day. It is usually followed by nausea, vomiting, gas and bloating.

Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

4 GIT Causes of abdominal pain:

What Residents of Houston Should Know

Anybody, anytime, can hit the abdominal pains. Stomachache can spoil your plans whether you are getting tacos at Montrose or dining in the Heights. At Gastrodoxs we think that when you know what makes you feel bad, you are more likely to feel better sooner.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri gave the best 4 causes of digestive abdominal pains in this guide. We will discuss them in simple terms, provide the signs of warning and provide means of relief. Let's dive in!

Quote by Dr. Bharat Pothuri "The most frequent presentation of patients to my clinic in Houston is abdominal pain, says Dr. Pothuri. We need to treat it more quickly by finding the root cause such as GERD or gallstones.

Section 1: Gaining an understanding of Digestive Abdominal Pain

Where It Hurts Matters

How It Feels

Calling a Doctor as soon as possible

Section 2: Cause: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What Is IBS?

IBS is a permanent disease of large intestine. It leads to cramping, gas, bloating and bowel modification.

Symptoms

Why It Happens

Dr. Pothuri's Tip:
"Try a food diary. My patients in Houston find out that dairy or greasy foods are the triggers of symptoms.

Simple Ways to Feel Better

Section 3: Cause of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is classified

What Is GERD?

GERD occurs when esophagus is filled with stomach acid. It brings about heartburn and other symptoms.

Symptoms

Why It Happens

Dr. Pothuri's Tip:
"Spicy foods are delicious although they may aggravate GERD. Watch out in Houston hot food restaurants."

Ways to Find Relief

Section 4: Cause #3 Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

What Is It?

Peptic ulcer is a wound on the stomach or the upper intestine. It brings about burning sensation, particularly in between meals.

Symptoms

Why It Happens

Dr. Pothuri's Tip:
"H. pylori is easy to detect. It is usually conformed by a breath test."

Treatment Tips

External Link
NIH on Peptic Ulcers

Section 5: Cause #4 Gallstones

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are solid masses which develop in your gallbladder. They are able to obstruct the flow of bile and cause pain.

Symptoms

Why It Happens

Dr. Pothuri's Tip:
"Summers can make a person dehydrated in Houston, and this causes bile to thicken increasing the risk of gallstones."

How to Feel Better

Section 6: Rapid Comparison Table

Characteristic IBS GERD Peptic Ulcers Gallstones
Pain Location Lower belly Chest or upper belly Upper middle belly Upper right belly
Type of pain Cramping Burning Burning/gnawing Sharp, sudden
Triggers Food, stress Spicy food, lying down NSAIDs, H. pylori Fatty food, dehydration
Relief Fiber, relax Antacids, diet changes Antibiotics, avoid NSAIDs Low-fat food, hydration
Urgent Care Needed? Rare If severe If bleeding If jaundice or severe

Section 7: Palliative Care Disruptive Behaviors

Eat a Balanced Diet

Watch Portion Sizes

Stay Hydrated

Manage Stress

See Your Doctor

Section 8: When to See a Doctor

Conclusion

The Abdominal pain is a common thing, and the cause is known, which means that you find the way to relieve it. IBS, GERD, peptic ulcers, and gallstones are the 4 leading 4 digestive causes in Houston. You can have control over your gut by making some minor adjustments and with medical help. To get additional assistance, go to Gastrodoxs and learn about our wellness resources.

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most frequent abdominal pain cause?

IBS is one of the top causes. It causes cramping and bowel habit change.

When is stomach pain serious?

See a physician in the event of a fever, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.

Is it true that stress is the cause of gut pain?

Yes. Gut movement can be impacted by stress which triggers IBS.

Are antacids safe long-term?

Short-term use is fine. Talk to your doctor, in case of frequent use.

What are the ways that physicians diagnose H. pylori?

By breath, stool or endoscopy.

Can diet fix gallstones?

No. It is able to decrease the symptoms but is not capable of dissolving stones.

Is bloating a concern?

Typically not but check with a doctor in case of sudden or extreme.

Should I stop NSAIDs?

Ask your doctor to prescribe you safer pain meds, in case you have had ulcers.

Do probiotics help?

Other individuals who have IBS experience improvement though the outcome varies.

Where do I get a GI doctor in Houston?

Inquire of your primary care provider or visit the Texas Medical Center.

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